However, it’s important to note that this cost does not factor in other procedures commonly performed at the time of facelifts, such as eyelid or around-the-mouth surgery. It also does not include common surgery-related expenses or geographic location, and these can vary dramatically. Generally, the major variables that affect total cost are adjunct procedures, the surgeon's experience, surgical facility fees and surgery-related expenses.

The overall cost of a facelift can range from $8,000 to $20,000 depending on the number of additional procedures requested. Keep in mind that rejuvenation of the face is different for each patient since often more than one area may be involved in order to get the best results.

The cost of a facelift will vary widely per patient, so it’s essential to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. More importantly, make sure you are looking at the costs in the right light. Remember, this is your face; you want the best care possible, not the least expensive.

When determining the cost of a facelift, there are several factors to consider including:

Procedure Complexity

The word ‘facelift’ means different things to different people, and some surgeons define a facelift differently than others. The words ‘facial rejuvenation’ are more appropriately used to describe surgery to make the face more youthful.

This might include just lifting the cheek, the neck, or around the eyes.

Similarly, it might include all those areas as well as lifting the mouth, chin, and brow. The surgical procedure must be tailored to the desires of each patient as an individual.

A typical facelift procedure involves lifting of the cheeks, including tightening of the top muscle layer, to improve and prolong the results.

A facelift may also include:

Neck Lift

Brow Lift

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Dermal Fillers

Laser or Fat Grafting (to improve overall results)

Patients who choose to attain complete facial rejuvenation often combine additional procedures, which can increase the total cost; however, performing multiple procedures during a single anesthetic is cheaper than doing each procedure separately.

Surgeon Selection

It’s safe to say that cost can greatly influence why a patient chooses to have a procedure done by one surgeon over another. All surgeons have their own approach to performing facelift surgery as each doctor has different amenities at their disposal and different levels of experience and accreditations.

A highly-experienced, US-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon may charge more than a less-knowledgeable or respected doctor in another country. With the added safety and quality of results that comes with a highly-specialized surgeon, comes a higher price tag.

At Austin-Weston, our four board-certified plastic surgeons have accumulated a combined 75 years of experience, and with that have cultivated an excellent reputation in the DC Metropolitan Area, performing more facelift surgeries than any other procedure.

Each surgery is preceded by an extensive consultation involving computer analysis and imaging technology, as well as the master-eye of our surgeons to ensure that we deliver satisfying and life-changing results for our patients.

Geographic Location

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) website lists the national average of plastic surgery physician fees. However, the fly in the ointment is that total prices vary widely among regions, with plastic surgery hotspots like Manhattan, Beverly Hills, Miami, Dallas and Los Angeles at the higher end of the spectrum.

More lightly populated regions like North and South Dakota, Idaho, Mississippi and Arkansas charge much less. Mid-level costs are incurred in Phoenix, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, New Mexico and Illinois along with locations away from big cities within high-priced states.

The reason plastic surgery costs vary based on geographic locations, such as major urban centers, is usually due to higher overhead costs for surgeons in these areas. So, the first step in considering what you'll pay is looking at fees where you live, and how much the cost of living is in that area.

To find ballpark prices for procedures based on location try using the Healthcare Blue Book (it works the same way the famous Kelley Blue Book lists the prices of cars).

Surgery-Related Expenses

You should ask the surgeon directly if there are other patient costs not included in the estimate they provide. Since there can be significant costs associated with surgery-related expenses, you will want this information up front. It can be useful to explore multiple options by meeting with several surgeons and getting estimates for not only their surgeon fees but also the additional surgical-related expenses.

When estimating the cost of a facelift, make sure to account for the following surgery-related expenses:

Anesthesia Fees

The cost of anesthesia for a facelift can vary significantly for each patient. You want to make sure anesthesia is provided by a board-certified anesthesiologist or a CRNA (nurse anesthetist). If a surgeon uses a non-certified anesthetist nurse or a medical assistant to push the anesthetic drugs (and yes, unfortunately, this does happen), then your safety may be at risk.

Anesthesia costs are typically billed by the hour, and you should ask in advance what happens if the surgery goes longer than expected, and who will pay the extra anesthesia time.

Surgical Facility Fees

This is an important factor to consider not only because of overall cost but because it may put a price tag on the importance of your safety and satisfaction. The importance of having your procedure performed in an accredited surgical facility by qualified staff is critical in the decision-making process. Do not try to cut costs by sacrificing safety and having your procedure performed at a non-accredited practice or by a surgeon who is not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

After calculating the cost of surgeon's fees, anesthesia, surgical facility fees and all other expenses, the cost of a facelift often reaches a total between $8,000 and $20,000, if not more. Many people don’t have this amount of money at their immediate disposal, but when the decision is made that it’s the right time to undergo the procedure, it becomes necessary to consider financing options. Practices almost always accept credit cards, but patients should carefully consider the associated interest rates of all available options. Also, there are several third-party financing companies that deal exclusively with those who want or need treatments that are not covered by insurance.

Don’t Cut Quality Corners

While cost is obviously an important consideration when it comes to facelift surgery, it is not the most important one. Patients should remember that their health and cosmetic satisfaction are ultimately the top priorities. Choosing an inexperienced doctor to save some money could cost far more in the long run if they require a corrective procedure or if they develop serious health complications.

The four board-certified surgeons at Austin-Weston Center are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), performing countless facelift procedures resulting in a revitalized look that appears natural and youthful.

Our surgeons are dedicated to providing patients with the results they desire and the care and safety they deserve. To find out more about your plastic surgery options, please call (703) 893-6168 to schedule a free consultation.